how are houseboats of kerala and kashmir different
If you are planning to stay in a Houseboat and is confused between the Houseboat in Kerala and Kashmir. Don’t worry here all of your confusion will be cleared in simple and easy manner. Staying in a houseboat is a unique and fantastic option. Two regions famous for their houseboats are Kerala in the south and Kashmir in the north. While both offer unforgettable experiences, the houseboats of Kerala and Kashmir have distinct differences. Let’s explore what sets these floating accommodations apart.
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Houseboats in Kerala
Houseboats in Kerala, known as Kettuvallams, cruise along the serene backwaters, offering picturesque views of lush greenery, coconut groves, and tranquil waters. As these houseboats float, they also provide stay options with world-class facilities.
In Kerala houseboats, you will have the options of single rooms, double rooms, and triple rooms with private balconies. For a luxurious experience, every room in a Kerala houseboat has attached bathrooms with all the facilities such as flush toilets, showers, and washbasins.
You can enjoy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food on a Kerala houseboat. The food is usually served on a banana leaf, and traditionally, you eat with your hands.
Houseboats in Kashmir
Kashmiri houseboats are often made from cedar wood and feature intricate wood carvings. The houseboats in Kashmir are found in lakes like Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in Srinagar. However, the most famous are the Dal Lake houseboats. These houseboats offer the feeling of luxurious floating hotels. Typically, the houseboats in Kashmir have options of 3-4 rooms with attached bathrooms and a dining area. You will also have a sun deck where you can enjoy the serene beauty of Dal Lake and the surrounding area. With round-the-clock electricity, you will also enjoy food cooked by the owner or caretaker of the houseboat. Here you can book Houseboat in Srinagar online.
Location and Environment
Kerala Houseboats
Location: Kerala houseboats, known as “Kettuvallams,” float on the serene backwaters of Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam.
Scenery: Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and coconut groves
Kashmiri Houseboats
Location: Located on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in Srinagar, Stationary boats moored to the shore.
Scenery: Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, these houseboats offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and blooming gardens.
Design and Architecture
Kerala Houseboats
- Materials: Constructed primarily from bamboo, coir, and wood, these houseboats showcase traditional craftsmanship.
- Structure: Kerala houseboats often feature thatched roofs and open-air decks, creating a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
Kashmir Houseboats
- Materials: Made from high-quality wood, Kashmir houseboats exhibit intricate carvings and ornate designs.
- Structure: These houseboats resemble floating wooden cottages with luxurious interiors, including carved furniture and rich carpets.
Amenities and Comfort
Kerala Houseboats
- Facilities: Kerala houseboats offer comfortable bedrooms, attached bathrooms, a dining area, and a deck for viewing the surroundings.
- Experience: Usually feature open-air living areas, with opportunities for fishing and observing local life.
Kashmiri Houseboats
- Facilities: Kashmir houseboats provide well-appointed bedrooms, modern bathrooms, a sitting room, and a sundeck.
- Experience: Guests can enjoy shikara rides (small wooden boats) to explore places like floating markets, Chaar chinar, Meena Bazar, Nehru Park and Mughal gardens.
Cultural Experience
Kerala Houseboats
- Cuisine: Relish traditional Kerala dishes, including fresh seafood, coconut-infused curries, and appams.
- Activities: Witness local life along the backwaters, enjoy cultural performances, and visit nearby villages.
Kashmiri Houseboats
- Cuisine: Savor Kashmiri delicacies such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kahwa (traditional tea).
- Activities: Explore the rich Kashmiri culture, visit historic sites, and shop for handicrafts and Pashmina shawls.
Best Time to Visit
Kerala Houseboats
- Season: The best time to enjoy Kerala houseboats is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the monsoon season has ended.
Kashmiri Houseboats
- Season: The ideal time to visit Kashmir houseboats is from April to October, avoiding the harsh winter months.
Key Differences Between Kerala and Kashmir Houseboats
| Aspect | Kerala Houseboats | Kashmir Houseboats |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Backwaters of Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam | Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake in Srinagar |
| Scenery | Lush green landscapes, coconut groves, tranquil waters | Majestic Himalayan views, snow-capped mountains, blooming gardens |
| Materials | Bamboo, coir, and wood; traditional craftsmanship | High-quality wood, intricate carvings, ornate designs |
| Structure | Thatched roofs, open-air decks, rustic atmosphere | Floating wooden cottages, luxurious interiors, carved furniture |
| Facilities | Comfortable bedrooms, attached bathrooms, dining area, deck | Well-appointed bedrooms, modern bathrooms, sitting room, sundeck |
| Experience | Relaxing cruise, fishing, observing local life | Luxurious retreat, shikara rides, visiting floating markets |
| Cuisine | Traditional Kerala dishes, seafood, coconut curries | Kashmiri delicacies, Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Kahwa (tea) |
| Activities | Local village visits, cultural performances | Exploring historic sites, shopping for handicrafts and Pashmina shawls |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March for pleasant weather | April to October to avoid harsh winter months |
Conclusion
While both Kerala and Kashmir offer unique houseboat experiences, they differ significantly in terms of environment, design, and cultural context. Kerala’s houseboats provide a journey through tropical backwaters, while Kashmir’s offer a stationary retreat on picturesque lakes.
